Is The First Time Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The First Time is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The First Time Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1969, The First Time emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of With the coming of summer, three high school buddies--Kenny Leeds, Mike Decker, and Tommy Kingsley--anticipate their initiation into the pleasures of manhood. Unlike standard genre fare, The First Time attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of James Neilson, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Comedy elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Jacqueline Bisset. Supported by the likes of Wes Stern and Ricky Kelman, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Jacqueline Bisset, Wes Stern, Ricky Kelman manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1969 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The First Time is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The First Time follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 90 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The First Time resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Comedy landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4.9/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The First Time is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. With the coming of summer, three high school buddies--Kenny Leeds, Mike Decker, and Tommy Kingsley--anticipate their initiation into the pleasures of manhood. But Kenny is separated from his friends and sent to stay with his grandparents in Buffalo while his father, a widowed salesman, leaves on a business trip with his secretary-fiancée. Bored and alone in a strange city, Kenny writes his two friends letters about his adventures at "Rosie's," a fictitious brothel across the Canadian border in Niagara Falls. His lie quickly backfires.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The First Time (1969) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10 and strong performance metrics in the Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Jacqueline Bisset, Wes Stern, Ricky Kelman or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The First Time is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1969. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
The First Time Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $900,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The First Time Budget
The estimated production budget for The First Time is $900,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The First Time Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
Philo
ScreenPix Apple TV Channel
ScreenPix Amazon Channel Parents Guide & Age Rating
The First Time is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, The First Time stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1969 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Time movie hit or flop?
The First Time is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is The First Time worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, The First Time may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The First Time online?
The First Time is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Philo, ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, ScreenPix Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Synopsis
With the coming of summer, three high school buddies--Kenny Leeds, Mike Decker, and Tommy Kingsley--anticipate their initiation into the pleasures of manhood. But Kenny is separated from his friends and sent to stay with his grandparents in Buffalo while his father, a widowed salesman, leaves on a business trip with his secretary-fiancée. Bored and alone in a strange city, Kenny writes his two friends letters about his adventures at "Rosie's," a fictitious brothel across the Canadian border in Niagara Falls. His lie quickly backfires.